The PlayStation 3 definitely had a rocky start from the get-go due to a poor launch campaign and a high price of entry. However, over time, one can't deny that this console definitely picked up ground due to the sheer number of quality titles present on this prestigious platform. It remains one of the more revolutionary consoles in the industry due to its push for Blu-Ray technology, which has pretty much become the norm in modern gaming systems.
One thing that Sony should be lauded for is its unwavering support for JRPGs, which have still managed to stay relevant on the platform to this day. The PlayStation 3 was no exception to this rule, featuring a bevy of amazing JRPGs with tight combat, brilliant visuals, amazing stories, memorable characters... and massive runtimes that would keep fans occupied for months on end.
Keeping the final point in mind, here are some of the longest RPGs to ever grace the PlayStation 3.
Updated on January 10, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: The PS3 is home to some of the greatest JRPGs ever made, showing once and for all that the franchise has managed to be relevant even after its glory days on the original PlayStation. The console was graced with a wealth of amazing titles that fans absolutely adore to this day. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the longest JRPGs that fans could lose themselves in for hours on end on the PS3.
15 Star Ocean: The Last Hope — 57 Hours
Most fans of JRPGs have really mixed feelings when it comes to Star Ocean: The Last Hope. The game certainly has its positives, but there are also several things worth complaining about in these games.
However, whoever managed to look past the flaws of The Last Hope found themselves hopelessly addicted to this game for hours on end. There was simply a ton of content that could keep people occupied for quite some time indeed.
14 Tales Of Symphonia — 60 Hours
The Tales series features some amazing action RPGs with great gameplay and riveting stories. Tales of Symphonia is no exception to this golden rule.
The game can take upwards of 60 hours to beat, which is no trifling matter. Players who want to immerse themselves in an amazing JRPG should look no further than Tales of Symphonia.
13 Tales Of Graces F — 63.5 Hours
Another game from the Tales series that makes this list is Tales of Graces F. The game might not be as eye-catching as some of the other titles in the series, but it's still a great experience with tight gameplay and a fun story to uncover.
It helps that the game has enough content to satiate any JRPG fan who wants to immerse themselves in a brilliant game for hours on end. All in all, JRPG fans can't really do no wrong with playing through Tales of Graces F.
12 White Knight Chronicles — 70 Hours
One of the more unique games on this list, White Knight Chronicles is definitely a game that any JRPG connoisseur should definitely check out.
The game might not have had the best critical reception, but it fills a niche that most games generally don't. So, any fan of JRPGs might definitely find themselves right at home with this brilliant title, which will definitely keep them occupied for at least 70 hours, if not more.
11 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel 2 — 72 Hours
The Trails sub-series in the main Legend of Heroes series feature some of the most popular and beloved JRPGs of all time. A big part of what makes these games engaging is their fleshed-out worlds, full to the brim with amazing and memorable characters.
It helps that the tight gameplay of these titles ends up being quite memorable as well. The Trails of Cold Steel arc spans four games, two of which were released on the PS3 and offered countless hours of playtime.
10 Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell Of Ar Ciel — 73.5 Hours
The winner of the most convoluted title on this list, Ar Tonelico Qoga is easily an RPG that anyone can sink hours upon hours without even realizing when the time just flew by.
It's easily one of the most overlooked JRPGs on the system, and a must-play for anyone who wishes to check out some truly underrated games on this platform.
9 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch — 74.5 Hours
Arguably the most beautiful game on this list, Ni No Kuni is easily one of the easiest recommendations one can make while recommending good JRPGs.
The first game gave off a Studio Ghibli-esque vibe with its art style, enthralling people with the sheer polish present in the title. Ni No Kuni quickly became a must-play for PS3 console owners, and the sequel made everything bigger, better, and more enjoyable.
Whether the second game is longer than the first is definitely up for debate, since both games have massive playtimes.
8 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel — 78.5 Hours
Trails of Cold Steel is one of the many arcs present in this subseries that is an absolute joy to get through. The Persona-esque influence on these games makes them quite memorable indeed.
It helps that these games have rich worlds, amazing lore, and great gameplay that elevates their charm to a whole new level. It might not be the most visually interesting JRPG around, but Trails of Cold Steel has enough content to keep players engaged for hundreds of hours across its story arc.
7 Final Fantasy 13 — 83.5 Hours
The idea of playing Final Fantasy 13 might not be that appealing for anyone who's heard about the reception surrounding this title, but there's no denying the fact that the game is a fairly solid JRPG with a massive runtime.
Fans who decide to give this game the benefit of the doubt will be treated to one of the most spectacular-looking JRPGs around, fueled by a tight combat system that is definitely more involved than any other Final Fantasy title up to that point.
6 Tales Of Xillia 2 — 85 Hours
The Tales series has become an unsung hero in the JRPG community, with their latest title — Tales Of Berseria — being the one instance when the series finally received some much-needed recognition for what was a brilliant game.
However, veterans of the series will also point at the Tales Of Xillia duology when it comes to talking about great Tales games. The second one stands out in comparison to the former due to its massive runtime, which will surely satiate any JRPG fan's hunger.
5 Resonance Of Fate — 85.5 Hours
One of the weirder and more underrated JRPGs on this list, Resonance Of Fate is a stylish game that makes the act of running and gunning one of the most entertaining acts in the game that pretty much never gets old.
However, it's also one of the more challenging games on this list, and a major part of this 80+ hour runtime will be spent looking at a slew of Game Over screens.
4 Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten — 130 Hours
It was pretty much inevitable that a list talking about some of the longest JRPGs of all time would inevitably mention the Disgaea series, which is notorious for padding out their runtime with ridiculous challenges that take hours upon hours to finish.
Even after a playthrough that stretches well over 100 hours, players will be nowhere near completing some of the hardest challenges in Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten, which are truly crafted for the most psychotic JRPG player ever.
3 Persona 5 — 142 Hours
The wait for Persona 5 was truly excruciating, with multiple delays preventing fans from getting their hands on the newest chapter in the series. However, this extended wait was more than worth it, since Persona 5 ended up being one of the greatest JRPGs ever made.
Words cannot explain what makes the 100 or so hours in Persona 5 one of the most worthwhile time periods spent on any video game, and players — especially JRPG fans — need to try this game out sooner than later to understand what makes this title tick.
2 White Knight Chronicles 2 — 150 Hours
While the first White Knight Chronicles game might've been fairly long in its own right, it's the sequel that truly pushes the boundaries when it comes to sporting a ridiculous runtime.
The time mentioned might be 150 hours, but it must be said that fans who wish to accomplish all the challenges present in the game will definitely be nowhere near completing these hurdles.
Speaking of which...
1 Disgaea 3: Absence Of Justice — 200 Hours
Any JRPG veteran would've pretty much guessed that a Disgaea game would top this list, and Disgaea 3 definitely doesn't disappoint when it comes to sporting a massive amount of content that would keep fans busy for ages.
There's talk of players spending more than 500 hours on this title to achieve everything the game has to offer — a ridiculous runtime, which pretty much justifies the placement of this game as the longest JRPG ever featured on the PS3.